What’s the best watch to wear on safari?

[0002S]

I’m not much of a watch guy but this thread had me thinking of a general purpose cheap watch for outdoor pursuits. Those who own Casios, which type of band do you prefer? Woven or resin?

resin

 

[BeeMaa]

I’m not much of a watch guy but this thread had me thinking of a general purpose cheap watch for outdoor pursuits. Those who own Casios, which type of band do you prefer? Woven or resin?

I've had both and also will tell you about secret option #3.

First the watch...look for solar-atomic watches. This will NEVER require a battery change and will keep perfect time the same way your mobile phone does. I've had several Mudman and Rangeman watches from Casio with long life.

The resin band is stiff but will last a long time. When it does fail, generally it cracks at the stress points or is because of some chemical it came in contact with like gasoline. Some people complain about the resin band being TOO stiff and creating hot spots on their wrist.

The cloth band is not good, although I admit the last one I had was in the 90's. Comfortable but will begin to have a smell if you don't stay on top of keeping it clean. The cloth was too thick and held onto sweat, always felt damp. I believe my wife pitched that watch for exactly that reason and I went to wearing a resin band.

Secret option #3. What I've done for my work watch that originally was a resin band is buy adapters to use a NATO strap from BluShark. I believe the adapters are from Jay's & Kay's or something like that and are made from aluminum. This set up is very comfortable and easy to swap out for cleaning. I've been using the grey/black strap for my work watch for at least 5 years working in industrial boiler rooms. The only thing I've done is brush it with soap and warm water every couple of months. Extremely comfortable with no nasty smell. Yeah, it costs a little more but IMO it's worth it.

 

[Rocked and Loaded]

I've had both and also will tell you about secret option #3.

First the watch...look for solar-atomic watches. This will NEVER require a battery change and will keep perfect time the same way your mobile phone does. I've had several Mudman and Rangeman watches from Casio with long life.

The resin band is stiff but will last a long time. When it does fail, generally it cracks at the stress points or is because of some chemical it came in contact with like gasoline. Some people complain about the resin band being TOO stiff and creating hot spots on their wrist.

The cloth band is not good, although I admit the last one I had was in the 90's. Comfortable but will begin to have a smell if you don't stay on top of keeping it clean. The cloth was too thick and held onto sweat, always felt damp. I believe my wife pitched that watch for exactly that reason and I went to wearing a resin band.

Secret option #3. What I've done for my work watch that originally was a resin band is buy adapters to use a NATO strap from BluShark. I believe the adapters are from Jay's & Kay's or something like that and are made from aluminum. This set up is very comfortable and easy to swap out for cleaning. I've been using the grey/black strap for my work watch for at least 5 years working in industrial boiler rooms. The only thing I've done is brush it with soap and warm water every couple of months. Extremely comfortable with no nasty smell. Yeah, it costs a little more but IMO it's worth it.

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I’m considering the SGW100 because the compass and thermometer appeal to the Boy Scout in me. Otherwise I’d probably opt for something analog.

Theres an attraction to tools that are multi purpose.

Unfortunately the sgw100 doesn’t seem as easy to replace the straps on, probably what I get for looking at a cheap model.

 

[Kalthoff]

I’m not much of a watch guy but this thread had me thinking of a general purpose cheap watch for outdoor pursuits. Those who own Casios, which type of band do you prefer? Woven or resin?

Some cloth straps come with a detachable buckle.

The fabric can then be cleaned in the washing machine along with your other laundry.

Fabric straps that go uncleaned for months become disgusting, maybe not to the wearer, but to people at a progressively longer and longer distance to the wearer